Persistent sadness, feelings of helplessness and worthlessness, and expressions of hopelessness are signs of childhood depression. If untreated, childhood depression could lead to self-destructive behavior (similar to adult depression).
Causes of Childhood Depression
Physical health, genetics, family history, life events, and the environment are possible causes of childhood depression – though the exact cause is unknown. Childhood depression may be caused by a combination of factors, such as a death in the family (even a pet loss can be traumatic) and a family history of depression.
Signs of Childhood Depression
Children have different symptoms of childhood depression at different times. Your adolescent may exhibit several of the following signs, or just one. The key is watching for a change in behavior. If your child displays these signs of childhood depression for more than two weeks, schedule a visit with your family doctor.
- Changes in appetite: your child may suddenly stop eating or increases his or her food intake.
- Changes in sleep: your child may require excessive amounts of sleep, or may not be able to sleep at all.
- Difficulty concentrating: He/she may not be able to focus at school, or even at the dinner table.
- Increased sensitivity to rejection: If depressed, your child may be particularly sensitive to real or perceived slights from friends and family members.
- Crying or emotional outbursts: Childhood depression may be marked with excessive tears and emotions.
- Persistent feelings of sadness: Extreme and/or long-lasting sadness in adolescents may indicate childhood depression.
- Social isolation: Kids who don't want to play with their peers or classmates may be struggling with childhood depression.
- Loss of interest in school: Many kids with depression don't have the energy or inclination to keep with with their homework or class projects. Poor academic performance could indicate childhood depression.
Treatment for Childhood Depression
If your family doctor rules out a physical ailment that is causing a change in behavior, then you may want to discuss treatment. Possible treatments for childhood depression include:
- Depression medications (though antidepressants should be used with caution)
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Combination therapy (medication plus cognitive behavioral therapy)
If your adolescent has experienced one bout of childhood depression, he or she is more likely to get depressed again. Recognizing the signs of childhood depression and treating it quickly and appropriately is one of the best ways to guard against it having a deadly effect on your family’s life.
If you found Causes and Signs of Childhood Depression helpful, read
- How Do You Know If You're Depressed?
- Treatments for Depressed Teenages or Children
- Kids' Emotions in Play Therapy
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen - Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen is a full-time writer and blogger in Vancouver, BC, and the creator of the Quips and Tips blog series.
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